What advantage do static analysis tools have over test execution tools?

Static analysis tools offer a significant advantage as they are capable of identifying defects early in the software development life cycle. This early detection is crucial because it allows developers to address issues before the code is even executed, thereby reducing the cost and effort associated with fixing defects later on.

By catching errors during the design or coding phases, static analysis helps in preventing defects from propagating into later stages of development, such as testing and production. This early intervention can lead to enhanced software quality and improved overall efficiency in the development process. Additionally, identifying issues at this stage can facilitate smoother integration of components and a more effective use of resources.

The other options do have merits but do not capture the distinct advantage related to the timing of defect discovery. For example, while static analysis tools can indeed be used before code is written, that alone doesn't capture the essence of their primary advantage. Testing against business requirements is often the focus of dynamic testing tools, and static analysis is not specifically designed for regression testing. Overall, the capability to find defects early underpins the benefit of using static analysis tools in the software development life cycle.